Arteta issues disappointing update on Tomiyasu after Arsenal draw

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Mikel Arteta has issued a disappointing injury update on Takehiro Tomiyasu after Arsenal drew with Burnley on Sunday, claiming – in comments reported by Football London – that the right-back will be out for a few weeks.

Tomiyasu has had a frustrating time of late. He had recently returned from an injury after missing games against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

He was back for the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against the Reds. However, the Japan international was nowhere to be seen as the lineup was announced for Sunday’s clash with the Clarets.

It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the Gunners. They were held to a goalless draw by the Premier League’s bottom side. The result saw Arsenal squander the opportunity to move into the top four.

And that is not the only blow for Arsenal as Arteta issued a disappointing update on Tomiyasu.

“Tomi had an injury and we didn’t have anybody to play in that position against Liverpool,” he said, as reported by Football London.

“He needs to recover and look after himself, to try and be available as quick as he can. He will be out for a few weeks.”

Tomiyasu absence not as harmful for Arsenal as it could have been

The positive for Arsenal is February is currently looking set to be a quiet month for the Gunners. Obviously, they now have more than two weeks before they next play again.

And their clash with Liverpool late on in the month has been postponed due to the Carabao Cup final.

Of course, those gaps in their schedule could yet be used for rescheduled fixtures. But if no games are added, Arsenal will only contest two clashes during February.

That will alleviate some of the disappointment as there is no doubt that not having Tomiyasu is a blow. He has been superb since arriving in the summer.

Ben White played at right-back against Burnley. And he seemed to play fairly well with Dwight McNeil having little influence on the game.

But White and Gabriel have formed a brilliant partnership in the middle. So moving White out to the right is clearly not ideal.

Unfortunately, he may have to play that role a couple more times in the weeks ahead.